The popular French Jewish singer, Enrico Macias, is to return to Algeria next month for the first time since 1962, when he left following its independence from France.

He said he was not bothered by protests surrounding his visit from many Algerians, who are opposed to restoring relations with Israel.

In a statement published in the Algerian newspaper El Watan, Mr Macias said that he was making the visit at the invitation of Algerian people and President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

Mr Macias will stage six concerts in different cities including one in his hometown Constantine.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service